Generally, when we read a book, we don't know what the author originally intended for the story, or how it changed from their initial plan. Sometimes, we assume the story was that way from the beginning or that there were only minor modifications. That's why, when authors reveal the truth behind their stories —what they envisioned and how everything changed— we're often surprised.
That is what has happened with the different statements made at the time by JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter saga, answering some answers and clarifying why certain things happen, as well as what the end of some characters would be.
Here is a compilation of 11 statements that the author made and that surprised her fans.
Harry Potter and Voldemort are family
Many people developed their own theories about this fact, and the author herself confirmed it, clarifying that both Harry and Voldemort are descended from the Peverells . This connection can be traced through Harry's invisibility cloak, inherited from his father, a descendant of Ignotus Peverell. Furthermore, Voldemort's maternal grandfather is Marvolo Gaunt, a descendant of that family.
Dumbledore is gay
It was during a chat with her readers in 2007 that Rowling revealed what Albus Dumbledore's true sexual orientation was, which surprised some. In the author's word:
“ I always thought Dumbledore was gay . If I had known it would make you so happy, I would have said so years ago.”
Ron and Hermione in the absence of couples therapy
During an interview with Wonderland magazine, Rowling stated:
“Perhaps Hermione and Ron could benefit from some couples therapy. He should work on his self-esteem, and she on being less critical .”
You shouldn't fall in love with Draco Malfoy
Like any villain worth his salt, Draco Malfoy garnered his own club of fans who were in love with him. The author was surprised by these feelings and said:
“Draco doesn’t hide a heart of gold beneath all that contempt and prejudice . And no, he and Harry weren’t destined to become best friends.”
The Malfoys did not approve of Draco's marriage.
The Malfoy family was extremely obsessed with blood purity and, for this reason, they did not look favorably upon the marriage between Draco and Astoria Greenglass since she was not part of the 28 pure-blood families.
The Longbottons stayed in the hospital forever
Neville Longbottom's parents, Alice and Frank, were among Voldemort's victims . In a 2007 interview with NBC, Rowling clarified that the couple never recovered from it.
"I know people had some hope, and I can see why, because what happens to Neville's parents is even worse than what happened to Harry's."
Dolores Umbridge is inspired by a real character
The author herself acknowledged that Dolores Umbridge, the teacher who makes her first appearance in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , is inspired by a teacher from her school whom she hated.
“His taste for cheesy accessories stuck in my mind. I particularly remember a small bow-shaped hairpin, lemon-colored, that she wore in her short curly hair "
Ron and Arthur Weasley almost died
Rowling promised to keep the trio of friends alive, although she almost broke her promise. In an interview with Daniel Radcliffe he confessed:
“I started thinking about killing one of them. Out of pure spite. I seriously considered killing Ron .”
Dumbledore could see Harry under the invisibility cloak
Many wondered how Dumbledore could know Harry was at one of his secret meetings when he was wearing the Invisibility Cloak. Rowling explained that he could use the spell " homenum revelio " to see him.
The Sorting Hat was not part of the plans
JKRowling confessed that she didn't know what method to use to choose which house the students would be placed in.
"The Sorting Hat was not in my initial plans for Hogwarts."
Hermione and Harry should have ended up together
How many of you did this couple expect? Well, it seems that the author's plans for these characters were different. As he confessed to Emma Watson, an actress who plays the role of Hermione, this couple should have been real.
“ I wrote the Hermione/Ron relationship to fulfill a wish . That's how it came about, nothing more. For reasons that have less to do with literature, and more to do with my decision to remain faithful to the plot, Hermione ended up with Ron.”
Without a doubt, the author made some changes with respect to her original ideas, either by her own idea or to fulfill a wish, as happened with Hermione and Ron's partner.
Did you know any of these statements? Have you been surprised?